Anaman made the announcement in a LinkedIn post on Sunday, explaining that the decision followed a difficult period during which he reassessed his interests and ability to continue pursuing a PhD.

He said he had decided to return to Ghana and begin a new chapter of his life, describing the experience as challenging but expressing hope for a fresh start.

The journalist also appealed to his professional network to help him secure employment in sports writing or broadcasting. He said he was looking for a well-paying opportunity that would allow him to build on his experience in sports journalism.

His announcement generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users criticising his decision to leave the programme.

Responding to the criticism in a Facebook post on Monday, Anaman questioned why sharing his personal experiences in an effort to encourage others had been interpreted by some people as a sign of immaturity.

He pushed back against those comments, saying that outsiders did not necessarily understand the difficulties he had experienced privately.

Anaman also disclosed that he had faced serious mental health challenges over several years, including repeated admissions to mental health facilities. He recalled one occasion when he was taken to Accra Psychiatric Hospital on the night his book, which he said had taken seven years to write, was launched.

The journalist said the criticism had disappointed him, particularly when it came from people whose public expressions of faith appeared inconsistent with their responses to someone discussing personal struggles.

Despite the backlash, Anaman defended his decision to speak openly about his experiences, highlighting the importance of sharing personal challenges and allowing others to understand circumstances that may not be immediately visible.

He also pointed to his professional accomplishments, including his work as an author and his recognition in sports journalism.

Anaman has worked with international media organisations and platforms, including Goal.com, BBC, ESPN, SuperSport and The Telegraph. He has also received recognition for his sports writing, including the Best Writing – Column award at the 2015 Sports Media Pearl Awards.

His work has covered football history, prominent Ghanaian sporting figures and stories about the country's football culture. He has also contributed to publications examining African sport and its wider social significance.

His decision to leave the PhD programme marks a change in professional direction, but his public appeal indicates that he intends to continue working in sports journalism or broadcasting.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia